 Members of militias fighting for control of the Somali capital could face war crimes charges for attempting to prevent the wounded and civilians from receiving assistance during the conflict, a U.N. official warned Monday.
| But it's doubtful they will... |
The battle between fundamentalist Islamic militias and rival secular combatants has forced about 1,500 to seek treatment at Mogadishu's two main hospitals since the beginning of this year, said Eric Laroche, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. "Increasingly worrying reports from Mogadishu describe indiscriminate shelling of civilian populations and the city's medical facilities, with dozens dead in the last few days," the U.N. said in a statement. "Due to the intensity of the recent fighting, an increased number of civilian casualties have been unable to reach medical facilities."
| Y'see, it's politically incorrect to refer to anybody as a savage anymore, so we're always surprised when we see savargery. |
He warned the warring factions "that any deliberate attempt to prevent wounded or civilians receiving assistance and protection during fighting in the city may constitute elements of future war crimes," according to the statement.
| I'd call that a pretty definite "tut tut." I'm sure a qualifying statement will be out in a day or two, to take the edge off. |
| I see the hand of Carla Del Ponte in this, she's looking for a job ... |
The official said he was shocked at the targeting of hospitals, describing the action as a blatant violations of the basic rules of international humanitarian law.
| The word you're looking for is "savagery." But you won't use it. |
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